LS8.2 LOST/MISSING PERSONS

Section: LS8 Patrol Operations (Emergency) Page: 1 of 2

Date: 20th September 2016

Purpose

To ensure lifesaving personnel use correct procedures when a missing person is reported. This guideline provides some principles on which to base a response.

Policy

SLSNSW requires personnel to follow the guidelines provided when a lost/missing person is reported.

Procedure

SurfCom is to be notified of missing persons as soon as a situation has been identified.

Definitions

A ‘lost person’ is where a family member, friend or guardian approaches the lifesaving personnel and reports a person missing.

A ‘found person’ is where the lifesaving personnel either:

• Is approached by a member of public who has lost their group;

• Comes across someone who appears distressed and lost, or;

• When a member of public finds the child/person and hands them over to lifesaving personnel.

Prioritising Information Gathering

Lifesaving personnel should prioritise information gathering before declaring the type of response and then follow a series of escalating procedures to handle lost and found persons.

Information Gathering

In all search incidents it is imperative that the following information is collected and recorded on paper. Informants must be retained with the lifesaving service for the duration of the search.